A Seed for Success

SEEDS (A Seed for Success)

SEEDS is a UM-wide program that covers all disciplines across all three of University of Miami campuses. SEEDS continues to support diversity and career development, and is gradually expanding its constituency. Our ultimate goal is to enhance diversity and success across all UM Colleges.

SEEDS uses a policy of inclusion to create and foster an interactive and highly effective UM-wide community. Our climate study assesses how our community sees the climate here at UM. SEEDS leaders in each school interact with their constituencies to assess needs and develop solutions. Community input hones resources such as Interactive Theatre Sketches, as well as Programs in Mentoring, Career Skills and Grantsmanship. SEEDS “You Choose Leadership” awards allow imaginative individuals to develop effective community events and resources. SEEDS aims to institutionalize programs that successfully transform our working environment and support the careers and success of our diverse community.

History of SEEDS

The National Academies report Beyond Bias and Barriers, chaired by President Donna E. Shalala, documented that, despite advances in the proportion of women and other underrepresented minorities in science and engineering graduate programs, relatively few become successful faculty. Accordingly, the University of Miami former Provost, Tom LeBlanc established a University-level SEEDS office as a focus for diversity programs across all disciplines and all three UM campuses. The program is based on the success of NSF ADVANCE award for SEEDS (Scientists and Engineers Expanding Diversity and Success) and is significantly expanding in scope and programs through all of UM and is designed to increase opportunity for ALL at UM.